Fri, 29 May 2026 12:05:00 +0200Sat, 27 Jun 2026 05:47:01 +0200https://english.radio.cz/prague-talk-8755562© 2026 Radio Prague International A regular interview series hosted by Ian Willoughby enSociety & Culturecr@radio.cz (Cesky Rozhlas)webmaster@radio.cz (CRo Webmaster) https://english.radio.cz/sites/default/files/images/bf3ebed7948dfe23c2dfa5fafc72494a.jpg?timestamp=1751295258 https://english.radio.cz/prague-talk-8755562 Radio Prague International Radio Prague International radio.prague.int@gmail.com clean 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 https://english.radio.cz/when-i-go-us-people-only-know-kundera-jan-zikmund-bringing-todays-czech-writers-8887996 Earlier this year, Jan Zikmund launched Zikmund Literary , an agency that primarily aims to help Czech authors find readers around the world. But how does he plan to achieve this? How do books from this country tend to fare in foreign markets? And what other states can Czechia learn from in this arena? I discussed these questions and more with Zikmund, who is in his mid 30s and previously helped promote Czech writing in English-speaking countries at the state-funded Czech Literary Centre. Fri, 29 May 2026 12:05:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8887996 Earlier this year, Jan Zikmund launched Zikmund Literary , an agency that primarily aims to help Czech authors find readers around the world. But how does he plan to achieve this? How do books from this country tend to fare in foreign markets? And what other states can Czechia learn from in this arena? I discussed these questions and more with Zikmund, who is in his mid 30s and previously helped promote Czech writing in English-speaking countries at the state-funded Czech Literary Centre. 00:20:02https://english.radio.cz/prague-fringe-25-steve-gove-and-angus-coull-early-days-leading-fringe-festival-8886573 Since its seat-of-the-pants beginnings in the early 2000s, the Prague Fringe has established itself as one of the leading events of its kind in Europe. Indeed, this year the festival is marking no less than a quarter century of existence with a packed programme that gets underway on May 22. The Prague Fringe was first dreamt up by two friends: Steve Gove, who still runs it, and Angus Coull, who is now back in the pair’s native Scotland. And ahead of this year’s landmark edition, Gove and Coull shared often colourful recollections of the festival’s beginnings. Fri, 15 May 2026 15:00:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8886573 Since its seat-of-the-pants beginnings in the early 2000s, the Prague Fringe has established itself as one of the leading events of its kind in Europe. Indeed, this year the festival is marking no less than a quarter century of existence with a packed programme that gets underway on May 22. The Prague Fringe was first dreamt up by two friends: Steve Gove, who still runs it, and Angus Coull, who is now back in the pair’s native Scotland. And ahead of this year’s landmark edition, Gove and Coull shared often colourful recollections of the festival’s beginnings. 00:21:34https://english.radio.cz/london-bohemia-benjamin-soucek-restoring-stately-homes-and-family-roots-8884579 London-born Benjamin Souček renovates stately homes in Czechia, the country of his forefathers. Indeed, Souček – who is also active in Prague cricket circles – has even received an award at the Czech Senate for his contribution to the country’s cultural heritage. Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:22:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8884579 London-born Benjamin Souček renovates stately homes in Czechia, the country of his forefathers. Indeed, Souček – who is also active in Prague cricket circles – has even received an award at the Czech Senate for his contribution to the country’s cultural heritage. 00:14:51https://english.radio.cz/dark-mode-real-life-connection-how-pavlina-louzenska-reads-future-8882745 Pavlína Louženská is a trend forecaster, helping banks, startups and other organisations understand likely developments in the coming years – and plan accordingly. When we spoke, the conversation took in the methods Louženská employs to predict the future, why Czechs may be less bothered about keeping up to date than other nations, whether it’s embarrassing to be a “laggard” – and much more.   Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:10:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8882745 Pavlína Louženská is a trend forecaster, helping banks, startups and other organisations understand likely developments in the coming years – and plan accordingly. When we spoke, the conversation took in the methods Louženská employs to predict the future, why Czechs may be less bothered about keeping up to date than other nations, whether it’s embarrassing to be a “laggard” – and much more.   00:23:22https://english.radio.cz/new-czech-radio-us-correspondent-jana-ciglerova-czech-americans-and-maga-and-8880471 Jana Ciglerová is just about to become Czech Radio’s correspondent in Washington. Unusually the journalist is moving there not from Prague but Florida, where she has lived for the best part of a decade and worked for a Czech media outlet. Ahead of this big switch, I asked Ciglerová about everything from keeping up with the non-stop pronouncements of President Trump to how living in the U.S. has shaped her sons’ lives. Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8880471 Jana Ciglerová is just about to become Czech Radio’s correspondent in Washington. Unusually the journalist is moving there not from Prague but Florida, where she has lived for the best part of a decade and worked for a Czech media outlet. Ahead of this big switch, I asked Ciglerová about everything from keeping up with the non-stop pronouncements of President Trump to how living in the U.S. has shaped her sons’ lives. 00:21:11https://english.radio.cz/vit-horejs-and-bonnie-stein-their-indie-movie-co-starring-200-year-old-czech-8879766 This week saw the first screening in Prague of the independent movie Wooden Hearts, which stars Vít Hořejš, founder of the Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre. The fiction film also features many of the traditional puppets that Hořejš – who left Czechoslovakia in the late 1970s – uncovered in an old Czech church in Manhattan several decades ago. He and his life partner Bonnie Stein, who produced Wooden Hearts and also appears in the charming picture, stopped by at our studios just ahead of the screening. Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:13:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8879766 This week saw the first screening in Prague of the independent movie Wooden Hearts, which stars Vít Hořejš, founder of the Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre. The fiction film also features many of the traditional puppets that Hořejš – who left Czechoslovakia in the late 1970s – uncovered in an old Czech church in Manhattan several decades ago. He and his life partner Bonnie Stein, who produced Wooden Hearts and also appears in the charming picture, stopped by at our studios just ahead of the screening. 00:20:42https://english.radio.cz/90s-architecture-was-much-more-interesting-jan-bures-pragues-post-1989-8879038 Devade (Nineties) is the title of a fascinating new book and exhibition looking at architecture in Prague in the first decade after the Velvet Revolution. Among the best known buildings referred to are hotels such as the Hilton and the Don Giovanni, as well as the Myslbek Palace and the now iconic Dancing House. I discussed the challenges faced by Prague’s architects in the 1990s – as well as the advantages they enjoyed – with one of the book’s authors Jan Bureš, an architect and journalist who was himself born in 1996. Fri, 27 Feb 2026 10:06:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8879038 Devade (Nineties) is the title of a fascinating new book and exhibition looking at architecture in Prague in the first decade after the Velvet Revolution. Among the best known buildings referred to are hotels such as the Hilton and the Don Giovanni, as well as the Myslbek Palace and the now iconic Dancing House. I discussed the challenges faced by Prague’s architects in the 1990s – as well as the advantages they enjoyed – with one of the book’s authors Jan Bureš, an architect and journalist who was himself born in 1996. 00:21:57https://english.radio.cz/charter-77-jim-hensons-studio-jitka-exlers-journey-sesame-street-and-muppet-show-8878296 Jitka Exler has enjoyed great success in the US, designing and making puppet characters for TV hits The Muppet Show and Sesame Street and working for major toy manufacturers. Exler had been forced to leave her native Czechoslovakia after signing the Charter 77 human rights document at the age of 19. The artist currently has a joint exhibition at the Czech Center New York. Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:10:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8878296 Jitka Exler has enjoyed great success in the US, designing and making puppet characters for TV hits The Muppet Show and Sesame Street and working for major toy manufacturers. Exler had been forced to leave her native Czechoslovakia after signing the Charter 77 human rights document at the age of 19. The artist currently has a joint exhibition at the Czech Center New York. 00:19:43https://english.radio.cz/karel-haring-becoming-a-face-premier-league-czech-soccer-fans-8877575 As a presenter on Canal+ Sport Karel Häring is one of the faces of the English Premier League for many Czech football fans. How has he managed the switch after decades as a print journalist? And what is it like working, and travelling, with star player turned pundit Karel Poborský? I discussed these questions and more with Karel Häring at our Prague studios.   Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:28:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8877575 As a presenter on Canal+ Sport Karel Häring is one of the faces of the English Premier League for many Czech football fans. How has he managed the switch after decades as a print journalist? And what is it like working, and travelling, with star player turned pundit Karel Poborský? I discussed these questions and more with Karel Häring at our Prague studios.   00:15:07https://english.radio.cz/you-dont-think-you-just-do-reporter-darja-stomatova-four-years-covering-ukraine-8877092 TV journalist Darja Stomatová has been reporting from Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Last week Stomatová received the Ferdinand Peroutka Prize, perhaps the most prestigious honour in Czech journalism, for her coverage of the conflict. I spoke to the 34-year-old at our studios in Prague. Mon, 09 Feb 2026 09:09:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8877092 TV journalist Darja Stomatová has been reporting from Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Last week Stomatová received the Ferdinand Peroutka Prize, perhaps the most prestigious honour in Czech journalism, for her coverage of the conflict. I spoke to the 34-year-old at our studios in Prague. 00:20:45https://english.radio.cz/radovan-sibrt-mr-nobody-against-putin-oscar-nominated-documentary-exposing-war-8876165 Czech interest in this year’s Academy Awards will centre on Mr. Nobody Against Putin, a Danish-Czech production nominated in the Best Documentary Feature category. The film contains footage shot surreptitiously by a teacher, Pavel “Pasha” Talankin, who wanted to expose war propaganda in schools in Russia. Talankin had no choice but to flee his native country before the documentary’s release and is now based here in Czechia. Radovan Síbrt is one of Mr. Nobody Against Putin’s two Czech producers – and I spoke to him just days after it also earned a BAFTA nomination. Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:16:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8876165 Czech interest in this year’s Academy Awards will centre on Mr. Nobody Against Putin, a Danish-Czech production nominated in the Best Documentary Feature category. The film contains footage shot surreptitiously by a teacher, Pavel “Pasha” Talankin, who wanted to expose war propaganda in schools in Russia. Talankin had no choice but to flee his native country before the documentary’s release and is now based here in Czechia. Radovan Síbrt is one of Mr. Nobody Against Putin’s two Czech producers – and I spoke to him just days after it also earned a BAFTA nomination. 00:15:24https://english.radio.cz/im-interested-female-experience-photographer-bet-orten-art-motherhood-and-moving-8874683 Bet Orten studied fashion photography in London after a stint as an assistant to a well-known celebrity photographer in New York. But for the last decade and a half Orten, whose Instagram profile describes her as a “female photographer taking pictures of other females”, has been living here in her native Prague. We spoke at our studios ahead of an exhibition she has coming up in the Czech capital this spring. Fri, 16 Jan 2026 10:36:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8874683 Bet Orten studied fashion photography in London after a stint as an assistant to a well-known celebrity photographer in New York. But for the last decade and a half Orten, whose Instagram profile describes her as a “female photographer taking pictures of other females”, has been living here in her native Prague. We spoke at our studios ahead of an exhibition she has coming up in the Czech capital this spring. 00:22:38https://english.radio.cz/threats-alone-are-disaster-nato-michal-smetana-trump-greenland-and-future-8873967 The Trump administration’s refusal to rule out taking the Danish territory of Greenland by force has caused shockwaves in Europe, with the threat to a fellow NATO member raising grave questions about the alliance’s future. If NATO does cease to exist in its current form, what will that mean in practical terms for European countries such as Czechia? I discussed that and related questions with Michal Smetana, a security expert at Prague’s Charles University. Fri, 09 Jan 2026 09:38:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8873967 The Trump administration’s refusal to rule out taking the Danish territory of Greenland by force has caused shockwaves in Europe, with the threat to a fellow NATO member raising grave questions about the alliance’s future. If NATO does cease to exist in its current form, what will that mean in practical terms for European countries such as Czechia? I discussed that and related questions with Michal Smetana, a security expert at Prague’s Charles University. 00:21:36https://english.radio.cz/historian-cynthia-paces-when-prague-really-was-heart-europe-and-her-own-familys-8873277 Cynthia Paces is the author of Prague: The Heart of Europe, which traces the city’s fascinating history from the 10th century to the modern era. The US historian also has strong personal ties to the city, from which the Pačes family were forced to flee after the 1948 Communist takeover of Czechoslovakia. Fri, 02 Jan 2026 09:35:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8873277 Cynthia Paces is the author of Prague: The Heart of Europe, which traces the city’s fascinating history from the 10th century to the modern era. The US historian also has strong personal ties to the city, from which the Pačes family were forced to flee after the 1948 Communist takeover of Czechoslovakia. 00:25:35https://english.radio.cz/marketa-irglova-reviving-swell-season-glen-hansard-20-years-falling-slowly-life-8872082 Musician Markéta Irglová has had a busy 2025, releasing a new album and touring with Glen Hansard under the name The Swell Season, a joint project that had been dormant for some years. The Czech-Irish pairing famously won an Oscar in 2007 for their song Falling Slowly. First recorded in a studio near Prague, it reached international audiences in Once, as well as a successful musical based on the hit low-budget film. After a full-band tour with The Swell Season earlier in the year, Irglová and Hansard returned to Czechia for a short series of intimate shows in late November. And it was then that I caught up with the former, who lives in Iceland, for a wide-ranging interview. Sat, 27 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8872082 Musician Markéta Irglová has had a busy 2025, releasing a new album and touring with Glen Hansard under the name The Swell Season, a joint project that had been dormant for some years. The Czech-Irish pairing famously won an Oscar in 2007 for their song Falling Slowly. First recorded in a studio near Prague, it reached international audiences in Once, as well as a successful musical based on the hit low-budget film. After a full-band tour with The Swell Season earlier in the year, Irglová and Hansard returned to Czechia for a short series of intimate shows in late November. And it was then that I caught up with the former, who lives in Iceland, for a wide-ranging interview. 00:27:14https://english.radio.cz/colin-stuart-helping-shape-90s-czech-indie-music-and-much-loved-colorfactory-8872306 Colin Stuart has been a fixture on the Prague music scene since the early 1990s, when he produced the Ecstasy of St. Theresa and several other local bands. He also worked with musicians from those groups on Colorfactory, a project that reached large audiences when the music was used in the era-defining film Šeptej (Whisper). I spoke to Stuart at his studio just around the corner from Prague’s Dancing Building. Fri, 19 Dec 2025 09:19:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8872306 Colin Stuart has been a fixture on the Prague music scene since the early 1990s, when he produced the Ecstasy of St. Theresa and several other local bands. He also worked with musicians from those groups on Colorfactory, a project that reached large audiences when the music was used in the era-defining film Šeptej (Whisper). I spoke to Stuart at his studio just around the corner from Prague’s Dancing Building. 00:20:59https://english.radio.cz/katherine-kastner-fascinating-czech-family-history-and-building-one-pragues-top-8870950 US-born Katherine Kastner is co-owner of Hunt Kastner, an independent Prague gallery that has helped develop the international careers of many Czech artists. Kastner herself has deep Czech roots: Her grandmother was related to Karel and Josef Čapek and in the 1980s she regularly visited Prague, where she was introduced to the local art scene through relatives, and notable artists, Pavel Brázda and Věra Nováková. I spoke to Katherine Kastner, who is known to all as Kacha, at our Prague studios. Fri, 05 Dec 2025 09:53:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8870950 US-born Katherine Kastner is co-owner of Hunt Kastner, an independent Prague gallery that has helped develop the international careers of many Czech artists. Kastner herself has deep Czech roots: Her grandmother was related to Karel and Josef Čapek and in the 1980s she regularly visited Prague, where she was introduced to the local art scene through relatives, and notable artists, Pavel Brázda and Věra Nováková. I spoke to Katherine Kastner, who is known to all as Kacha, at our Prague studios. 00:21:28https://english.radio.cz/martin-reiner-hidden-brno-district-became-oasis-freedom-and-end-his-successful-8870244 A relatively little known but highly distinctive Brno district is the subject of Kamenka Republic, a new book edited by writer and publisher Martin Reiner. Speaking from the Moravian capital, he explains what makes Kamenka special – and why it has survived for a century when other interwar workers’ housing “colonies” in Brno have long disappeared. Reiner also discusses why he is calling time on Druhé město, one of the most significant Czech publishing houses of recent decades. Fri, 28 Nov 2025 09:51:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8870244 A relatively little known but highly distinctive Brno district is the subject of Kamenka Republic, a new book edited by writer and publisher Martin Reiner. Speaking from the Moravian capital, he explains what makes Kamenka special – and why it has survived for a century when other interwar workers’ housing “colonies” in Brno have long disappeared. Reiner also discusses why he is calling time on Druhé město, one of the most significant Czech publishing houses of recent decades. 00:19:44https://english.radio.cz/max-diesing-33-and-a-third-years-running-prague-indie-music-store-8869215 Max Diesing runs Maximum Underground, an alternative music shop located in Prague’s Old Town for many years. In fact the American says he is just about to mark his business’s “33 and a third” birthday as a fixture on the city’s alternative music scene. But what was it like setting up an independent store here just a couple of years after the Velvet Revolution? And what motivates him to keep running the business after all this time? We spoke at the store on Jílská St. Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:25:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8869215 Max Diesing runs Maximum Underground, an alternative music shop located in Prague’s Old Town for many years. In fact the American says he is just about to mark his business’s “33 and a third” birthday as a fixture on the city’s alternative music scene. But what was it like setting up an independent store here just a couple of years after the Velvet Revolution? And what motivates him to keep running the business after all this time? We spoke at the store on Jílská St. 00:19:32https://english.radio.cz/lukas-dolansky-i-loved-london-im-happy-i-dont-have-live-there-8868379 Lukáš Dolanský is a well-known journalist who until this year served as Czech Television’s correspondent in the United Kingdom. Dolanský underwent something of a baptism of fire in the posting, arriving just days before the news broke of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. That’s among many stories Dolanský recounts, and insights he shares, in a new book, The Colours of My London.   Wed, 12 Nov 2025 10:45:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8868379 Lukáš Dolanský is a well-known journalist who until this year served as Czech Television’s correspondent in the United Kingdom. Dolanský underwent something of a baptism of fire in the posting, arriving just days before the news broke of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. That’s among many stories Dolanský recounts, and insights he shares, in a new book, The Colours of My London.   00:25:11https://english.radio.cz/disinformation-a-lifestyle-tomas-koblizek-how-fake-news-thrives-and-how-resist-8867434 Tomáš Koblížek is an expert on disinformation, a phenomenon that has grabbed many headlines in recent years. In a wide-ranging conversation, the philosopher says disinfo isn’t focused only on deceiving people but is also about “boring” them into losing interest in certain issues entirely. But, he argues, it is possible to combat it. I spoke to Koblížek in connection with the recent publication of the book Disinformation and Hate Speech from the Perspectives of Philosophy, Law and Security, which he co-authored. Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:16:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8867434 Tomáš Koblížek is an expert on disinformation, a phenomenon that has grabbed many headlines in recent years. In a wide-ranging conversation, the philosopher says disinfo isn’t focused only on deceiving people but is also about “boring” them into losing interest in certain issues entirely. But, he argues, it is possible to combat it. I spoke to Koblížek in connection with the recent publication of the book Disinformation and Hate Speech from the Perspectives of Philosophy, Law and Security, which he co-authored. 00:25:14https://english.radio.cz/anything-possible-zdenek-vacek-25-years-turning-life-jewellery-8866781 One of Czechia’s most distinctive jewellery designers, Zdeněk Vacek currently has a sensational retrospective of his quarter-century career at Prague’s Museum of Decorative Arts. Vacek, a goldsmith by trade, was previously known for his work under the name Zorya with then life partner Daniel Pošta but now operates solo, mainly producing tailor-made pieces for often affluent clients. I spoke to him at the exhibition. Fri, 24 Oct 2025 09:24:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8866781 One of Czechia’s most distinctive jewellery designers, Zdeněk Vacek currently has a sensational retrospective of his quarter-century career at Prague’s Museum of Decorative Arts. Vacek, a goldsmith by trade, was previously known for his work under the name Zorya with then life partner Daniel Pošta but now operates solo, mainly producing tailor-made pieces for often affluent clients. I spoke to him at the exhibition. 00:14:48https://english.radio.cz/i-big-tasks-zuzana-stivinova-havel-forman-and-joy-acting-national-theatre-8866054 Zuzana Stivínová is a well-known Czech actress. She played one of the main roles in the stage version of Václav Havel’s Leaving in 2007 and today is most commonly to be found on the boards of the National Theatre in Prague. She has also worked with such screen directors as Věra Chytilová and Miloš Forman, and starred in the acclaimed TV drama Wasteland. Stivínová, who comes from an artistic background, also spent several years living in New York in the 2010s. Fri, 17 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8866054 Zuzana Stivínová is a well-known Czech actress. She played one of the main roles in the stage version of Václav Havel’s Leaving in 2007 and today is most commonly to be found on the boards of the National Theatre in Prague. She has also worked with such screen directors as Věra Chytilová and Miloš Forman, and starred in the acclaimed TV drama Wasteland. Stivínová, who comes from an artistic background, also spent several years living in New York in the 2010s. 00:23:02https://english.radio.cz/grandmother-translator-susan-reynolds-bringing-czech-classic-english-speaking-8865553 A new translation of one of the most important books in Czech literature, The Grandmother (Babička) by Božena Němcová, will be launched by the UK-based Jantar Publishing at the end of this month. It’s the work of Englishwoman Susan Reynolds, who previously produced an acclaimed translation of another Czech classic, Karel Jaromír Erben’s Kytice. I spoke to Reynolds about how she approached rendering The Grandmother (originally published in 1855) in English, its author’s pioneering spirit and more. Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:08:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8865553 A new translation of one of the most important books in Czech literature, The Grandmother (Babička) by Božena Němcová, will be launched by the UK-based Jantar Publishing at the end of this month. It’s the work of Englishwoman Susan Reynolds, who previously produced an acclaimed translation of another Czech classic, Karel Jaromír Erben’s Kytice. I spoke to Reynolds about how she approached rendering The Grandmother (originally published in 1855) in English, its author’s pioneering spirit and more. 00:20:33https://english.radio.cz/director-tereza-nvotova-father-meciar-and-politics-making-her-very-scared-8864560 Director Tereza Nvotová is enjoying one of the most successful moments in her career, with her film Father having competed at the recent Venice festival – and now greatly surpassing box office expectations. Nvotová, who is 37, is from Slovakia but moved to Prague two decades ago, and also spends a lot of time in New York. Our conversation takes in the genesis of the hard-hitting Father, her interactions with one-time strongman politician Vladimír Mečiar, and the current political situations in Slovakia and America. Fri, 03 Oct 2025 08:48:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8864560 Director Tereza Nvotová is enjoying one of the most successful moments in her career, with her film Father having competed at the recent Venice festival – and now greatly surpassing box office expectations. Nvotová, who is 37, is from Slovakia but moved to Prague two decades ago, and also spends a lot of time in New York. Our conversation takes in the genesis of the hard-hitting Father, her interactions with one-time strongman politician Vladimír Mečiar, and the current political situations in Slovakia and America. 00:28:51https://english.radio.cz/david-marecek-we-want-whole-nation-feel-part-success-czech-philharmonic-its-8863860 David Mareček is the director general of the Czech Philharmonic, one of Czechia’s premier cultural institutions. The orchestra, launched in the 1890s with a concert conducted by Dvořák, is based at Prague’s magnificent Rudolfinum, a building that once housed the country’s parliament. And it was there that I spoke to Mr. Mareček about the selection of Jakub Hrůša as next music director – and much more besides. Fri, 26 Sep 2025 09:48:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8863860 David Mareček is the director general of the Czech Philharmonic, one of Czechia’s premier cultural institutions. The orchestra, launched in the 1890s with a concert conducted by Dvořák, is based at Prague’s magnificent Rudolfinum, a building that once housed the country’s parliament. And it was there that I spoke to Mr. Mareček about the selection of Jakub Hrůša as next music director – and much more besides. 00:22:01https://english.radio.cz/otto-eibl-czech-elections-2025-fialas-legacy-babiss-legal-woes-threats-liberal-8863165 Polls suggest outgoing Czech prime minister, Petr Fiala, is one of Europe’s least popular leaders, but does his four-year term actually deserve opprobrium? And what is outlook for potential successor Andrej Babiš when it comes to forming a new government? Or could legal issues even block Mr. Babiš’s appointment? With general elections just two weeks away I discussed those questions and more with political scientist Otto Eibl of Brno’s Masaryk University. Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:20:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8863165 Polls suggest outgoing Czech prime minister, Petr Fiala, is one of Europe’s least popular leaders, but does his four-year term actually deserve opprobrium? And what is outlook for potential successor Andrej Babiš when it comes to forming a new government? Or could legal issues even block Mr. Babiš’s appointment? With general elections just two weeks away I discussed those questions and more with political scientist Otto Eibl of Brno’s Masaryk University. 00:22:03https://english.radio.cz/anna-shavit-campaigning-early-ano-very-polarised-2025-elections-and-potential-8861833 Anna Shavit is one of Czechia’s top experts on political marketing and has herself worked on campaigns for the likes of Karel Schwarzenberg and Andrej Babiš’s ANO. So how does electioneering for October’s general elections compare to previous years? And – going by her personal experience of the billionaire politician – would Mr. Babiš have any qualms about forming a government with anti-system parties? I discussed those questions and more with the Charles University academic. Fri, 05 Sep 2025 08:44:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8861833 Anna Shavit is one of Czechia’s top experts on political marketing and has herself worked on campaigns for the likes of Karel Schwarzenberg and Andrej Babiš’s ANO. So how does electioneering for October’s general elections compare to previous years? And – going by her personal experience of the billionaire politician – would Mr. Babiš have any qualms about forming a government with anti-system parties? I discussed those questions and more with the Charles University academic. 00:24:48https://english.radio.cz/barbora-baronova-punk-publisher-putting-art-financial-stability-8861331 Barbora Baronová runs Wo-men, an independent publishing house based in Prague. Since 2012 the company has brought out works by such names as photographer Libuše Jarcovjáková and dancer Miřenka Čechová – and earned many admirers for its striking designs. As Baronová explains, she literally puts everything she has into Wo-men , which is a true labour of love. Mon, 01 Sep 2025 09:19:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8861331 Barbora Baronová runs Wo-men, an independent publishing house based in Prague. Since 2012 the company has brought out works by such names as photographer Libuše Jarcovjáková and dancer Miřenka Čechová – and earned many admirers for its striking designs. As Baronová explains, she literally puts everything she has into Wo-men , which is a true labour of love. 00:21:06https://english.radio.cz/top-czech-influencer-kovy-politics-marriage-equality-and-life-beyond-social-8860486 Karel Kovář, who goes by the name Kovy, is one of Czechia’s biggest social media stars. He shot to fame through witty and entertainng YouTube videos over a decade ago and reached a million subscribers on the platform this year, when he was again named the country’s leading influencer. In this interview Kovář discusses a very broad range of subjects, from hosting the Czech equivalent of the Oscars to an online exchange with politician Andrej Babiš. Fri, 22 Aug 2025 09:45:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8860486 Karel Kovář, who goes by the name Kovy, is one of Czechia’s biggest social media stars. He shot to fame through witty and entertainng YouTube videos over a decade ago and reached a million subscribers on the platform this year, when he was again named the country’s leading influencer. In this interview Kovář discusses a very broad range of subjects, from hosting the Czech equivalent of the Oscars to an online exchange with politician Andrej Babiš. 00:27:49https://english.radio.cz/brendan-mcnally-martha-dodd-nympho-spy-soviets-who-lived-prague-decades-8859638 Martha Dodd was an American spy for the Soviet Union who spent her final decades in Prague. Dodd’s colourful life, and grim end, are the subject of the book Traitor’s Odyssey by Brendan McNally, a US journalist who himself lived in the Czech capital in the 1990s. And, as he explains, McNally first heard of the story of Martha Dodd from a woman who worked for Radio Prague International in the depths of the Cold War era. Fri, 15 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8859638 Martha Dodd was an American spy for the Soviet Union who spent her final decades in Prague. Dodd’s colourful life, and grim end, are the subject of the book Traitor’s Odyssey by Brendan McNally, a US journalist who himself lived in the Czech capital in the 1990s. And, as he explains, McNally first heard of the story of Martha Dodd from a woman who worked for Radio Prague International in the depths of the Cold War era. 00:22:19https://english.radio.cz/police-vs-ravers-simon-safranek-how-czechtek-culminated-violence-8858983 CzechTek was a free techno music festival that drew many tens of thousands and culminated two decades ago in clashes between riot police and participants. The annual unauthorised gathering and the culture that spawned it are the subject of a new podcast by Šimon Šafránek, CzechTek: The Story of Czech Rave. I discussed the background to, and fallout of, the events of 2005 and much more with Šafránek, a successful documentary filmmaker whose work regularly explores alternative culture. Fri, 08 Aug 2025 09:59:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8858983 CzechTek was a free techno music festival that drew many tens of thousands and culminated two decades ago in clashes between riot police and participants. The annual unauthorised gathering and the culture that spawned it are the subject of a new podcast by Šimon Šafránek, CzechTek: The Story of Czech Rave. I discussed the background to, and fallout of, the events of 2005 and much more with Šafránek, a successful documentary filmmaker whose work regularly explores alternative culture. 00:22:00https://english.radio.cz/michael-tate-czech-roots-prague-and-serendipitous-birth-jantar-publishing-8858455 Michael Tate runs Jantar Publishing, a UK-based firm that issues works in translation, frequently from Czech. Among the small publishing house’s best-selling titles are a handsome edition of the classic Kytice by Karel Jaromír Erben and, more recently, Winterberg’s Last Journey by Jaroslav Rudiš. I spoke to Tate about Jantar’s development since he founded it in 2011, but also about his own Czech roots and years in Prague. Fri, 01 Aug 2025 10:30:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8858455 Michael Tate runs Jantar Publishing, a UK-based firm that issues works in translation, frequently from Czech. Among the small publishing house’s best-selling titles are a handsome edition of the classic Kytice by Karel Jaromír Erben and, more recently, Winterberg’s Last Journey by Jaroslav Rudiš. I spoke to Tate about Jantar’s development since he founded it in 2011, but also about his own Czech roots and years in Prague. 00:22:13https://english.radio.cz/czech-vietnamese-director-duzan-duong-im-torn-between-two-worlds-i-use-advantage-8857801 Writer-director Dužan Duong made a big splash at this month’s Karlovy Vary International Film Festival with his debut Summer School, 2001. Dubbed the “first Czech-Viet” movie, it recreates aspects of the 34-year-old’s own childhood, much of which was spent around an outdoor market near the border with Germany. When we met recently the conversation took in the making of Duong’s breakout film, his own background and Czechia’s large and thriving Vietnamese community. Fri, 25 Jul 2025 06:49:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8857801 Writer-director Dužan Duong made a big splash at this month’s Karlovy Vary International Film Festival with his debut Summer School, 2001. Dubbed the “first Czech-Viet” movie, it recreates aspects of the 34-year-old’s own childhood, much of which was spent around an outdoor market near the border with Germany. When we met recently the conversation took in the making of Duong’s breakout film, his own background and Czechia’s large and thriving Vietnamese community. 00:20:31https://english.radio.cz/pragues-hidden-histories-chad-bryant-exploring-citys-diverse-identities-8857030 US academic Chad Bryant explores the recent history of Prague through the prism of diverse personalities in a book just launched in Czech. Prague: Belonging in the Modern City blends the stories of socialists, dissidents, Jews, Germans and Vietnamese with fascinating facts about the development of the metropolis from the late days of the Habsburg Empire to the present time. I spoke to Bryant when he was in town for the launch of the Czech translation. Fri, 18 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8857030 US academic Chad Bryant explores the recent history of Prague through the prism of diverse personalities in a book just launched in Czech. Prague: Belonging in the Modern City blends the stories of socialists, dissidents, Jews, Germans and Vietnamese with fascinating facts about the development of the metropolis from the late days of the Habsburg Empire to the present time. I spoke to Bryant when he was in town for the launch of the Czech translation. 00:24:03https://english.radio.cz/ondrej-provaznik-taking-inspiration-choir-abuse-scandal-broken-voices-8855610 Ondřej Provazník is the writer-director of Broken Voices, a new Czech drama that is in the main competition at the ongoing Karlovy Vary International Film Festival . The powerful picture follows a 13-year-old girl as she comes under the sway of the conductor of her choir and is inspired by a scandal centred on the head of a Prague girls’ choir, who was jailed on multiple sexual abuse charges. I spoke to Provazník ahead of the world premiere of the film, whose Czech title Sbormistr translates literally as The Choirmaster. Tue, 08 Jul 2025 15:14:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8855610 Ondřej Provazník is the writer-director of Broken Voices, a new Czech drama that is in the main competition at the ongoing Karlovy Vary International Film Festival . The powerful picture follows a 13-year-old girl as she comes under the sway of the conductor of her choir and is inspired by a scandal centred on the head of a Prague girls’ choir, who was jailed on multiple sexual abuse charges. I spoke to Provazník ahead of the world premiere of the film, whose Czech title Sbormistr translates literally as The Choirmaster. 00:22:40https://english.radio.cz/pet-insurance-exec-derek-cummins-i-have-speak-czech-my-shelter-dog-8855542 Derek Cummins is the co-founder of PetExpert, a pet insurance company that has helped foster major growth in that field in this country in recent years. When I spoke to the Irish-born businessman, the conversation took in pet owners’ biggest fears, how the status of canines has been changing in the dog-mad Czechia in recent years and much more. Thu, 03 Jul 2025 09:47:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8855542 Derek Cummins is the co-founder of PetExpert, a pet insurance company that has helped foster major growth in that field in this country in recent years. When I spoke to the Irish-born businessman, the conversation took in pet owners’ biggest fears, how the status of canines has been changing in the dog-mad Czechia in recent years and much more. 00:18:29https://english.radio.cz/marcus-mucha-its-not-nice-when-you-see-your-family-name-goebbels-handwriting-8854882 Marcus Mucha is the great-grandson of the world-famous Czech painter, illustrator and graphic artist Alphonse Mucha. UK-born Marcus, who is in his mid 40s, is Executive Director of the Mucha Foundation, which preserves and promotes the work of the world renowned Art Nouveau pioneer. When we spoke at its recently opened Mucha Museum in the heart of Prague the conversation took in such topics as the artist’s fluctuating international renown, Marcus’s previous career as a Hollywood producer and the story of how a Nazi officer protected his Jewish great-grandmother, Alphonse’s wife. Wed, 25 Jun 2025 10:07:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8854882 Marcus Mucha is the great-grandson of the world-famous Czech painter, illustrator and graphic artist Alphonse Mucha. UK-born Marcus, who is in his mid 40s, is Executive Director of the Mucha Foundation, which preserves and promotes the work of the world renowned Art Nouveau pioneer. When we spoke at its recently opened Mucha Museum in the heart of Prague the conversation took in such topics as the artist’s fluctuating international renown, Marcus’s previous career as a Hollywood producer and the story of how a Nazi officer protected his Jewish great-grandmother, Alphonse’s wife. 00:27:24https://english.radio.cz/isabel-stainsby-my-parents-said-we-forbid-you-studying-czech-dont-say-a-teenager-8854283 Isabel Stainsby is the translator of a gripping memoir by Roma journalist Patrik Banga, which has just been launched in English under the title The True Way Out. Stainsby, who lives in Scotland, first developed an interest in the Czech language – and this country – in her teens. We discussed her work as a translator, love of Czech castles and more after the presentation of the book in Prague. Wed, 18 Jun 2025 08:28:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8854283 Isabel Stainsby is the translator of a gripping memoir by Roma journalist Patrik Banga, which has just been launched in English under the title The True Way Out. Stainsby, who lives in Scotland, first developed an interest in the Czech language – and this country – in her teens. We discussed her work as a translator, love of Czech castles and more after the presentation of the book in Prague. 00:14:57https://english.radio.cz/developer-serge-borenstein-pilot-said-its-nothing-its-karlin-8853608 No foreigner can have had such an impact on Prague in the modern era as Serge Borenstein. Indeed in three and a half decades, the Belgian-born developer has been behind new constructions totalling a remarkable half a million square metres in and around the capital. His most notable projects have been in Karlín, a district he has almost single-handedly transformed with a series of gleaming office buildings. And it was at Borenstein’s offices there that we spoke recently. Wed, 11 Jun 2025 10:49:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8853608 No foreigner can have had such an impact on Prague in the modern era as Serge Borenstein. Indeed in three and a half decades, the Belgian-born developer has been behind new constructions totalling a remarkable half a million square metres in and around the capital. His most notable projects have been in Karlín, a district he has almost single-handedly transformed with a series of gleaming office buildings. And it was at Borenstein’s offices there that we spoke recently. 00:16:02https://english.radio.cz/we-had-crazy-things-happen-constantly-matt-welchs-prague-years-8852943 Matt Welch was among the first wave of young Westerners who flooded into Prague in the early 1990s. Today a prominent journalist and commentator in his native US, back then he was one of the founders of Prognosis, Czechoslovakia’s first English-language newspaper. And Welch shared lots of colourful recollections of that formative period of his life from his study in New York. Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:10:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8852943 Matt Welch was among the first wave of young Westerners who flooded into Prague in the early 1990s. Today a prominent journalist and commentator in his native US, back then he was one of the founders of Prognosis, Czechoslovakia’s first English-language newspaper. And Welch shared lots of colourful recollections of that formative period of his life from his study in New York. 00:28:57https://english.radio.cz/tomas-palenicek-theres-a-continuum-experimental-psychedelic-use-czechia-8852294 Dr. Tomáš Páleníček is a leading Czech proponent of the use of psychedelics in certain kinds of psychiatric treatment. The psychiatrist and several colleagues recently appeared in a documentary named Doctor on a Trip that followed them to the Amazon rainforest, where they mapped brain activity during ceremonies centred on ayahuasca, a traditional hallucinogenic drink. I spoke to Páleníček at our Prague studios. Wed, 28 May 2025 11:10:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8852294 Dr. Tomáš Páleníček is a leading Czech proponent of the use of psychedelics in certain kinds of psychiatric treatment. The psychiatrist and several colleagues recently appeared in a documentary named Doctor on a Trip that followed them to the Amazon rainforest, where they mapped brain activity during ceremonies centred on ayahuasca, a traditional hallucinogenic drink. I spoke to Páleníček at our Prague studios. 00:22:33https://english.radio.cz/jiri-pehe-havel-zeman-and-a-dramatic-escape-west-8851662 Jiří Pehe is one of Czechia’s best-known political scientists, regularly sharing his insights with domestic and international media. But his own story is also noteworthy. After a dramatic 1981 escape to the West, he made a new life in the US. Following the fall of communism he returned to his native country and became a close advisor to President Václav Havel. Pehe then became director of New York University Prague, a position he is about to retire from after more than a quarter of a century. Wed, 21 May 2025 08:59:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8851662 Jiří Pehe is one of Czechia’s best-known political scientists, regularly sharing his insights with domestic and international media. But his own story is also noteworthy. After a dramatic 1981 escape to the West, he made a new life in the US. Following the fall of communism he returned to his native country and became a close advisor to President Václav Havel. Pehe then became director of New York University Prague, a position he is about to retire from after more than a quarter of a century. 00:31:36https://english.radio.cz/movie-stars-were-greeted-a-real-movie-star-steven-gaydos-remembers-jiri-bartoska-8850893 Among the many warm tributes to Jiří Bartoška, who passed away last week at 78, has been one published by Variety from journalist Steven Gaydos. The Czech actor took the reins at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in 1994 and that was also the first edition for Gaydos, who subsequently watched Bartoška and his team turn a moribund event into the vibrant, internationally renowned celebration of cinema it is today. Tue, 13 May 2025 09:03:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8850893 Among the many warm tributes to Jiří Bartoška, who passed away last week at 78, has been one published by Variety from journalist Steven Gaydos. The Czech actor took the reins at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in 1994 and that was also the first edition for Gaydos, who subsequently watched Bartoška and his team turn a moribund event into the vibrant, internationally renowned celebration of cinema it is today. 00:18:04https://english.radio.cz/martina-skala-working-forman-and-polanski-and-dancing-horses-8850240 Writer and artist Martina Skála grew up in Prague’s picturesque Malá Strana district before leaving for France in the mid-1980s and eventually settling in California. Skála, who studied history and set design, has also had an unusually broad range of jobs, from acting as an advisor to the female leads on The Unbearable Lightness of Being to literally dancing with horses. Tue, 06 May 2025 13:37:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8850240 Writer and artist Martina Skála grew up in Prague’s picturesque Malá Strana district before leaving for France in the mid-1980s and eventually settling in California. Skála, who studied history and set design, has also had an unusually broad range of jobs, from acting as an advisor to the female leads on The Unbearable Lightness of Being to literally dancing with horses. 00:22:43https://english.radio.cz/antonin-kokes-we-saw-great-bakeries-germany-and-france-i-said-why-dont-we-have-8849577 Antonín Kokeš is the man behind Antonínovo pekařství, a successful chain of bakeries. The Moravian-born entrepreneur is also the owner of Albi, a company best-known for the board games that can be found in many Czech homes. We discussed both those businesses and much more at Kokeš’s latest venture, a new branch of Antonín’s Bakery due to open on May 1 in a grand building on Prague’s Náměstí Míru. Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8849577 Antonín Kokeš is the man behind Antonínovo pekařství, a successful chain of bakeries. The Moravian-born entrepreneur is also the owner of Albi, a company best-known for the board games that can be found in many Czech homes. We discussed both those businesses and much more at Kokeš’s latest venture, a new branch of Antonín’s Bakery due to open on May 1 in a grand building on Prague’s Náměstí Míru. 00:23:42https://english.radio.cz/helena-lukas-photographer-dad-jan-he-said-i-want-you-live-a-free-world-8848925 Helena Lukas, daughter of the major Czech photographer Jan Lukas, escaped to the West with her family in the mid-1960s. In New York the Lukases were part of a Czech cultural elite in exile that included such names as Jiří Voskovec, Ferdinand Peroutka and Alexander Hackenschmied. Helena Lukas is currently in Czechia preparing an exhibition of her father’s work that will open in the town of Dobrovice next weekend. Tue, 22 Apr 2025 08:45:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8848925 Helena Lukas, daughter of the major Czech photographer Jan Lukas, escaped to the West with her family in the mid-1960s. In New York the Lukases were part of a Czech cultural elite in exile that included such names as Jiří Voskovec, Ferdinand Peroutka and Alexander Hackenschmied. Helena Lukas is currently in Czechia preparing an exhibition of her father’s work that will open in the town of Dobrovice next weekend. 00:24:06https://english.radio.cz/it-was-year-zero-milos-hroch-maps-90s-czech-shoegaze-scene-new-book-8848502 Perhaps the only time Czech rock bands have made a significant splash internationally was in the early 1990s, when groups like the Ecstasy of St. Theresa were covered in the UK music press. EOST, who made the independent charts in England, were the vanguard of a local iteration of the shoegaze genre then in vogue in London. And that scene is the subject of the new book Šeptej nahlas: Český shoegaze mezi Východem a Západem (Whisper Aloud: Czech Shoegaze Between the East and the West) by music journalist and academic Miloš Hroch. I spoke to the author at our Prague studios. Tue, 15 Apr 2025 13:09:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8848502 Perhaps the only time Czech rock bands have made a significant splash internationally was in the early 1990s, when groups like the Ecstasy of St. Theresa were covered in the UK music press. EOST, who made the independent charts in England, were the vanguard of a local iteration of the shoegaze genre then in vogue in London. And that scene is the subject of the new book Šeptej nahlas: Český shoegaze mezi Východem a Západem (Whisper Aloud: Czech Shoegaze Between the East and the West) by music journalist and academic Miloš Hroch. I spoke to the author at our Prague studios. 00:21:28https://english.radio.cz/jeffrey-martin-mapping-pragues-streets-13-million-photos-8848188 Jeffrey Martin, a pioneer in the field of 360-degree photography, has been living in Prague for a quarter of a century. Recently his company Mosaic launched a 15-terapixel open-source data set of high resolution street view imagery of the city. How is this incredibly detailed mapping carried out? And who are the many users already accessing the resource, which is free for non-commercial use? I spoke to Martin, who is from the US, in a small park near his office in the Smíchov district. Fri, 11 Apr 2025 09:26:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8848188 Jeffrey Martin, a pioneer in the field of 360-degree photography, has been living in Prague for a quarter of a century. Recently his company Mosaic launched a 15-terapixel open-source data set of high resolution street view imagery of the city. How is this incredibly detailed mapping carried out? And who are the many users already accessing the resource, which is free for non-commercial use? I spoke to Martin, who is from the US, in a small park near his office in the Smíchov district. 00:20:50https://english.radio.cz/martin-dusek-maps-anarchic-czech-approach-construction-new-film-8847098 Director Martin Dušek’s latest documentary looks at the issue of taste, primarily when it comes to how Czechs handle home construction/renovation and the urban landscape. A DIY approach is deeply ingrained and many refuse to hire architects, regarding their services – says a speaker in the film – as something “extra”. I caught up with Dušek shortly after producer Czech Television broadcast the film, which is called Journey to Disfantasy. Mon, 31 Mar 2025 08:38:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8847098 Director Martin Dušek’s latest documentary looks at the issue of taste, primarily when it comes to how Czechs handle home construction/renovation and the urban landscape. A DIY approach is deeply ingrained and many refuse to hire architects, regarding their services – says a speaker in the film – as something “extra”. I caught up with Dušek shortly after producer Czech Television broadcast the film, which is called Journey to Disfantasy. 00:20:07https://english.radio.cz/guy-roberts-czechia-felt-truly-free-way-i-hadnt-experienced-us-8845846 US-born Guy Roberts founded and heads the Prague Shakespeare Company. He can also currently be seen on TV screens around the world acting in the fantasy series The Wheel of Time, whose third season has just kicked off. Our conversation also takes in Roberts’ Czech roots, expertise as a fight coordinator, involvement in a big-budget Jan Žižka biopic and lots more. Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:50:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8845846 US-born Guy Roberts founded and heads the Prague Shakespeare Company. He can also currently be seen on TV screens around the world acting in the fantasy series The Wheel of Time, whose third season has just kicked off. Our conversation also takes in Roberts’ Czech roots, expertise as a fight coordinator, involvement in a big-budget Jan Žižka biopic and lots more. 00:26:43https://english.radio.cz/jerina-sykora-my-motive-fleeing-venezuela-was-same-my-grandmothers-leaving-8845182 Venezuelan-born Jerina Sykora was named after her Czech grandmother Jiřina, who fled to the South American state in the wake of the 1948 Communist takeover of Czechoslovakia. Jerina herself fled in the other direction; among millions of people who have quit Venezuela due to its political turmoil, she and her family have resettled in Czechia under a government repatriation scheme. Their gripping story is the focus of Volver a Volver, a documentary that will get its premiere at the One World festival in Prague next week. Tue, 11 Mar 2025 09:53:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8845182 Venezuelan-born Jerina Sykora was named after her Czech grandmother Jiřina, who fled to the South American state in the wake of the 1948 Communist takeover of Czechoslovakia. Jerina herself fled in the other direction; among millions of people who have quit Venezuela due to its political turmoil, she and her family have resettled in Czechia under a government repatriation scheme. Their gripping story is the focus of Volver a Volver, a documentary that will get its premiere at the One World festival in Prague next week. 00:17:53https://english.radio.cz/ondrej-pilny-im-planning-learn-irish-properly-third-time-around-8844502 Ondřej Pilný is a professor of English and American literatures at Prague’s Charles University, where he also heads the Centre for Irish Studies. As he explains in our interview, his career path was greatly shaped by a series of coincidences that led him to Dublin in his student days. Pilný also discusses literary links between Czechia and Ireland – and says low pay prevents him and his colleagues from doing valuable work in their field. Tue, 04 Mar 2025 07:42:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8844502 Ondřej Pilný is a professor of English and American literatures at Prague’s Charles University, where he also heads the Centre for Irish Studies. As he explains in our interview, his career path was greatly shaped by a series of coincidences that led him to Dublin in his student days. Pilný also discusses literary links between Czechia and Ireland – and says low pay prevents him and his colleagues from doing valuable work in their field. 00:23:32https://english.radio.cz/its-a-knock-out-view-brit-guy-barker-bringing-new-terrace-rudolfinum-roof-8843784 UK businessman Guy Barker is behind a project set to bring a new terrace to the roof of Prague’s 19th century Rudolfinum. His Arcona Capital, a real estate investment company active in a number of EU countries, is a sponsor of the Czech Philharmonic, which calls the magnificent building home. When we met at Arcona Capital’s offices, Mr. Barker also discussed a notable development it is involved with in Kyiv – and what led him to move to Prague. Tue, 25 Feb 2025 07:38:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8843784 UK businessman Guy Barker is behind a project set to bring a new terrace to the roof of Prague’s 19th century Rudolfinum. His Arcona Capital, a real estate investment company active in a number of EU countries, is a sponsor of the Czech Philharmonic, which calls the magnificent building home. When we met at Arcona Capital’s offices, Mr. Barker also discussed a notable development it is involved with in Kyiv – and what led him to move to Prague. 00:18:35https://english.radio.cz/my-fear-we-now-bet-eu-security-jan-kofron-where-new-us-stance-leaves-czechs-8843166 Many European leaders have been aghast at American moves to unilaterally agree a Ukraine “peace deal” with Russia and their concerns have only been intensified by an explosive speech by the US vice-president that some say signals a sundering of the transatlantic alliance. What does the Trump administration’s approach mean for Czech defence policy? And how likely is conscription to return? I discussed those questions, and more, with Jan Kofroň of the Institute of Political Studies at Charles University’s Faculty of Social Sciences. Tue, 18 Feb 2025 11:10:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8843166 Many European leaders have been aghast at American moves to unilaterally agree a Ukraine “peace deal” with Russia and their concerns have only been intensified by an explosive speech by the US vice-president that some say signals a sundering of the transatlantic alliance. What does the Trump administration’s approach mean for Czech defence policy? And how likely is conscription to return? I discussed those questions, and more, with Jan Kofroň of the Institute of Political Studies at Charles University’s Faculty of Social Sciences. 00:19:26https://english.radio.cz/really-doing-your-share-home-martina-dvorakovas-audit-helps-couples-find-out-8842613 Martina Dvořáková was so tired of the gender imbalance in household labour in Czechia that she did something about it, creating a Fair Household audit. It’s a questionnaire that helps couples reflect on who does what in the home – and whether that division of work is truly equitable. I discussed several aspects of the project with Dvořáková, as well as why the term “feminist” continues to be frowned up in this country. Wed, 12 Feb 2025 08:12:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8842613 Martina Dvořáková was so tired of the gender imbalance in household labour in Czechia that she did something about it, creating a Fair Household audit. It’s a questionnaire that helps couples reflect on who does what in the home – and whether that division of work is truly equitable. I discussed several aspects of the project with Dvořáková, as well as why the term “feminist” continues to be frowned up in this country. 00:17:06https://english.radio.cz/petr-brod-it-could-be-dangerous-speak-german-1950s-czechoslovakia-8841967 Petr Brod grew up in a German-speaking Jewish family in communist Prague, soon learning it was wiser to converse in Czech in public. Brod fulfilled his ambition of becoming a journalist following a move to West Germany in his late teens, and found considerable success; after a stint at the BBC that saw him work on some of its top political shows, he joined Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which posted him to his hometown when the Velvet Revolution ushered in democracy in Czechoslovakia. When we spoke Brod, today 73, also discussed his friendship with protest singer Karel Kryl – and what might have happened if the Sudeten Germans had not been expelled after the war. Wed, 05 Feb 2025 08:34:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8841967 Petr Brod grew up in a German-speaking Jewish family in communist Prague, soon learning it was wiser to converse in Czech in public. Brod fulfilled his ambition of becoming a journalist following a move to West Germany in his late teens, and found considerable success; after a stint at the BBC that saw him work on some of its top political shows, he joined Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which posted him to his hometown when the Velvet Revolution ushered in democracy in Czechoslovakia. When we spoke Brod, today 73, also discussed his friendship with protest singer Karel Kryl – and what might have happened if the Sudeten Germans had not been expelled after the war. 00:28:08https://english.radio.cz/jewish-museum-head-pavla-niklova-when-oct-7-happened-we-realised-we-live-open-8840612 Pavla Niklová has been the director of the Jewish Museum in Prague, one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the world, for around a year and a half. When we spoke at her office on the edge of the city’s Jewish Quarter, the conversation took in everything from Niklová’s own background to whether the museum has been much impacted by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Wed, 22 Jan 2025 09:12:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8840612 Pavla Niklová has been the director of the Jewish Museum in Prague, one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the world, for around a year and a half. When we spoke at her office on the edge of the city’s Jewish Quarter, the conversation took in everything from Niklová’s own background to whether the museum has been much impacted by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 00:18:53https://english.radio.cz/miroslav-wanek-how-uz-jsme-doma-reached-us-audiences-no-other-czech-band-8839881 Miroslav Wanek is the leader of Už jsme doma, a Czech alternative band who this year are celebrating 40 years of existence. Už jsme doma have performed in over three dozen countries, most notably in the US, where they have notched up a remarkable 800-plus shows. Wanek, today 62, also has other strings to his bow. He could have entered politics after playing an active role in the Velvet Revolution in his hometown of Teplice, has taught at Prague’s FAMU film school and worked on a highly popular animated series. Tue, 14 Jan 2025 11:44:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8839881 Miroslav Wanek is the leader of Už jsme doma, a Czech alternative band who this year are celebrating 40 years of existence. Už jsme doma have performed in over three dozen countries, most notably in the US, where they have notched up a remarkable 800-plus shows. Wanek, today 62, also has other strings to his bow. He could have entered politics after playing an active role in the Velvet Revolution in his hometown of Teplice, has taught at Prague’s FAMU film school and worked on a highly popular animated series. 00:28:38https://english.radio.cz/pavel-fuksa-very-centre-prague-visually-appalling-a-wild-west-8839245 If you’ve been to Prague in recent years, chances are high that you’ve encountered the work of Pavel Fuksa. The graphic designer is behind a series of official posters welcoming visitors to the city – and encouraging them to be on good behaviour. Fuksa, who is 42, has in the past worked for several of the world’s largest brands, including Nike, Facebook and Lego. What’s more, he is deeply interested in football, so when we met in the downtown area I also spoke with him about which Prague club has had the most visually impressive strip, and when. Tue, 07 Jan 2025 10:48:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8839245 If you’ve been to Prague in recent years, chances are high that you’ve encountered the work of Pavel Fuksa. The graphic designer is behind a series of official posters welcoming visitors to the city – and encouraging them to be on good behaviour. Fuksa, who is 42, has in the past worked for several of the world’s largest brands, including Nike, Facebook and Lego. What’s more, he is deeply interested in football, so when we met in the downtown area I also spoke with him about which Prague club has had the most visually impressive strip, and when. 00:18:33https://english.radio.cz/diving-waves-jiri-madl-massive-hit-1968-film-8838536 Waves by Jiří Mádl wasn’t only the most successful Czech film at the box office in 2024: the movie, which centres on events at Czechoslovak Radio at the time of the Soviet invasion, is also one of the biggest cinema hits the country has seen in the modern era. Now Waves is also aiming for international glory, having made the shortlist of 15 pictures in contention for the Best International Oscar, with the actual nominations set to be announced in mid-January. Just after the shortlist was announced, I spoke with writer-director Mádl, who first found fame as an actor and had made two previous films before coming out with a gripping story set in one of the most tumultuous moments of Czechia’s modern history. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8838536 Waves by Jiří Mádl wasn’t only the most successful Czech film at the box office in 2024: the movie, which centres on events at Czechoslovak Radio at the time of the Soviet invasion, is also one of the biggest cinema hits the country has seen in the modern era. Now Waves is also aiming for international glory, having made the shortlist of 15 pictures in contention for the Best International Oscar, with the actual nominations set to be announced in mid-January. Just after the shortlist was announced, I spoke with writer-director Mádl, who first found fame as an actor and had made two previous films before coming out with a gripping story set in one of the most tumultuous moments of Czechia’s modern history. 00:23:51https://english.radio.cz/biochemist-jan-konvalinka-i-hate-us-being-called-a-very-good-east-european-8838157 Regular media appearances made biochemist Jan Konvalinka a well-known figure in Czechia during the Covid crisis, a period he calls the pinnacle of his professional life. A one-time vice rector at Prague’s Charles University, he is today director of the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Czech Academy of Sciences – and spearheaded its establishment of an outpost in Boston this year. Just last week Professor Konvalinka announced that his IOCB, in conjunction with others, was waiving licensing fees for HIV drugs for relatively poor countries. Mon, 23 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8838157 Regular media appearances made biochemist Jan Konvalinka a well-known figure in Czechia during the Covid crisis, a period he calls the pinnacle of his professional life. A one-time vice rector at Prague’s Charles University, he is today director of the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Czech Academy of Sciences – and spearheaded its establishment of an outpost in Boston this year. Just last week Professor Konvalinka announced that his IOCB, in conjunction with others, was waiving licensing fees for HIV drugs for relatively poor countries. 00:24:26https://english.radio.cz/watching-jackals-daniela-richterova-revolutionaries-and-terrorists-pre-89-prague-8837625 A new book reveals the untold story of Czechoslovakia’s complex relations with terrorists and revolutionaries from the Middle East and elsewhere in the Cold War period. Watching the Jackals by historian Daniela Richterová draws on intelligence files to show how major figures such as Carlos the Jackal, Che Guevara and a mastermind of the 1972 Munich Olympic massacre visited Prague, often repeatedly, in the latter decades of the communist era. It also explores Czechoslovakia’s own attitude to international terrorism. I discussed her groundbreaking findings with Richterová, who is based at King’s College London. Tue, 17 Dec 2024 09:49:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8837625 A new book reveals the untold story of Czechoslovakia’s complex relations with terrorists and revolutionaries from the Middle East and elsewhere in the Cold War period. Watching the Jackals by historian Daniela Richterová draws on intelligence files to show how major figures such as Carlos the Jackal, Che Guevara and a mastermind of the 1972 Munich Olympic massacre visited Prague, often repeatedly, in the latter decades of the communist era. It also explores Czechoslovakia’s own attitude to international terrorism. I discussed her groundbreaking findings with Richterová, who is based at King’s College London. 00:27:17https://english.radio.cz/jitka-panek-jurkova-czechias-cultural-credit-really-strong-we-just-need-be-smart-8837083 More than two dozen Czech Centres on four continents represent a shop window for Czech culture around the world. But what more can the country do to boost its international image? And how does the network decide where to open, or close, branches? I discussed those questions, and way more, with the director of the Czech Centres, Jitka Pánek Jurková, who took up the post a year ago this month, at the organisation’s headquarters on Prague’s Wenceslas Square. Wed, 11 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8837083 More than two dozen Czech Centres on four continents represent a shop window for Czech culture around the world. But what more can the country do to boost its international image? And how does the network decide where to open, or close, branches? I discussed those questions, and way more, with the director of the Czech Centres, Jitka Pánek Jurková, who took up the post a year ago this month, at the organisation’s headquarters on Prague’s Wenceslas Square. 00:19:58https://english.radio.cz/pavel-klusak-suchy-slitr-and-explosion-was-semafor-8836077 Prague’s Semafor theatre was the most significant arts institution in 1960s Czechoslovakia, ushering in a new era against the backdrop of a slow political thaw in the communist country. Semafor was centred on the song-writing duo of Jiří Suchý and Jiří Šlitr and gave starts to a whole generation of enormous and enduring pop stars. Top Czech music writer Pavel Klusák explores the theatre’s great decade in his brand new book Suchý and Šlitr: Semafor 1959–1969 – and shared his insights at our studios in Vinohrady.   Mon, 02 Dec 2024 10:39:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8836077 Prague’s Semafor theatre was the most significant arts institution in 1960s Czechoslovakia, ushering in a new era against the backdrop of a slow political thaw in the communist country. Semafor was centred on the song-writing duo of Jiří Suchý and Jiří Šlitr and gave starts to a whole generation of enormous and enduring pop stars. Top Czech music writer Pavel Klusák explores the theatre’s great decade in his brand new book Suchý and Šlitr: Semafor 1959–1969 – and shared his insights at our studios in Vinohrady.   00:22:11https://english.radio.cz/tom-gross-i-delivered-western-jeans-vaclav-havel-pre-1989-8835832 Tom Gross campaigned for Roma rights and was active in the media in early 1990s Prague. However, the Englishman had had some remarkable experiences in the city even before joining the influx of young westerners to Czechoslovakia’s new democracy. These included covert deliveries to leading dissidents in the communist period – and inadvertently being in close proximity to some of the world’s most notorious terrorists. Gross shared his stories at our studios in Vinohrady.   Wed, 27 Nov 2024 13:59:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8835832 Tom Gross campaigned for Roma rights and was active in the media in early 1990s Prague. However, the Englishman had had some remarkable experiences in the city even before joining the influx of young westerners to Czechoslovakia’s new democracy. These included covert deliveries to leading dissidents in the communist period – and inadvertently being in close proximity to some of the world’s most notorious terrorists. Gross shared his stories at our studios in Vinohrady.   00:21:47https://english.radio.cz/osamu-okamura-most-quality-architecture-now-happening-outside-prague-8835337 Osamu Okamura was born in Tokyo to Japanese-Czech parents but moved to Prague while still an infant. An architect by profession, he is involved in a wide slew of activities, from academic work to popularising the concept of liveable cities among the general public. His family name is well-known in Czechia largely thanks to his brother Tomio Okamura, who heads a leading anti-EU political party, while a second sibling, Hayato Okamura, is also an MP. Sat, 23 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8835337 Osamu Okamura was born in Tokyo to Japanese-Czech parents but moved to Prague while still an infant. An architect by profession, he is involved in a wide slew of activities, from academic work to popularising the concept of liveable cities among the general public. His family name is well-known in Czechia largely thanks to his brother Tomio Okamura, who heads a leading anti-EU political party, while a second sibling, Hayato Okamura, is also an MP. 00:27:24https://english.radio.cz/igor-pomerantsev-bbc-and-daniel-defoe-helped-me-understand-democracy-8835106 The poet and veteran broadcaster Igor Pomerantsev has been living in Prague since the mid-1990s, when his station, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, moved to the Czech capital. Born in Russia but raised in Ukraine, Pomerantsev left the Soviet Union at the end of his 20s after being accused of circulating “anti-Soviet literature”. He and his family later settled in London, where he worked for the Russian section of the BBC World Service. I spoke to Igor Pomerantsev, who is today 76, at our studios in Vinohrady. Wed, 20 Nov 2024 10:07:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8835106 The poet and veteran broadcaster Igor Pomerantsev has been living in Prague since the mid-1990s, when his station, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, moved to the Czech capital. Born in Russia but raised in Ukraine, Pomerantsev left the Soviet Union at the end of his 20s after being accused of circulating “anti-Soviet literature”. He and his family later settled in London, where he worked for the Russian section of the BBC World Service. I spoke to Igor Pomerantsev, who is today 76, at our studios in Vinohrady. 00:23:46https://english.radio.cz/adam-stewart-many-czechs-dont-believe-cimrman-plays-could-possibly-work-english-8834208 Englishman Adam Stewart is the founder and artistic director of the Prague Youth Theatre, a thriving company bring together around 200 children and teenagers from dozens of different nations in the Czech capital. He is also a leading member of the Cimrman English Theatre; it performs plays “by” the much-loved Czech comedic character Jára Cimrman to English-speaking audiences and recently celebrated 10 years of existence. I spoke to Stewart at the PYT’s offices in the Vršovice district.  Mon, 11 Nov 2024 10:14:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8834208 Englishman Adam Stewart is the founder and artistic director of the Prague Youth Theatre, a thriving company bring together around 200 children and teenagers from dozens of different nations in the Czech capital. He is also a leading member of the Cimrman English Theatre; it performs plays “by” the much-loved Czech comedic character Jára Cimrman to English-speaking audiences and recently celebrated 10 years of existence. I spoke to Stewart at the PYT’s offices in the Vršovice district.  00:17:13https://english.radio.cz/success-home-friendship-focus-marie-dvorakovas-new-marie-tomanova-documentary-8833702 New documentary World Between Us follows Czech photographer Marie Tomanová as her career skyrockets in New York. The intimate film is also a portrait of Tomanová’s art historian husband, Thomas Beachdel – and reflects the close friendship between the photographer and its director, fellow Czech Marie Dvořáková. I caught up with Dvořáková, a one-time Student Oscar winner who has also spent a large part of her life in the US, days after the documentary’s world premiere. Tue, 05 Nov 2024 12:46:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8833702 New documentary World Between Us follows Czech photographer Marie Tomanová as her career skyrockets in New York. The intimate film is also a portrait of Tomanová’s art historian husband, Thomas Beachdel – and reflects the close friendship between the photographer and its director, fellow Czech Marie Dvořáková. I caught up with Dvořáková, a one-time Student Oscar winner who has also spent a large part of her life in the US, days after the documentary’s world premiere. 00:22:43https://english.radio.cz/anne-marie-kenny-singing-havels-invitation-business-90s-prague-8832714 US singer Anne Marie Kenny first came to Czechoslovakia in 1990 at the invitation of President Václav Havel, who facilitated a concert for her at a Prague club. She later launched a successful employment and training agency and remained in her ancestral homeland for the rest of the decade. Kenny shares these stories and much more in her memoir A Song for Bohemia, which has just been launched in Czech under the title Moje píseň pro Čechy. We spoke at the café at Prague’s House of the Black Madonna. Mon, 28 Oct 2024 08:14:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8832714 US singer Anne Marie Kenny first came to Czechoslovakia in 1990 at the invitation of President Václav Havel, who facilitated a concert for her at a Prague club. She later launched a successful employment and training agency and remained in her ancestral homeland for the rest of the decade. Kenny shares these stories and much more in her memoir A Song for Bohemia, which has just been launched in Czech under the title Moje píseň pro Čechy. We spoke at the café at Prague’s House of the Black Madonna. 00:20:29https://english.radio.cz/jan-p-muchow-during-eost-hiatus-id-always-meet-bandmate-winterova-school-run-8832373 This year the Ecstasy of St. Theresa, perhaps the best-known Czech indie band of the 1990s and 2000s, delighted fans by returning to the stage after a hiatus of almost a decade. And the group, whose core members are founder Jan P. Muchow and singer and actress Kateřina Winterová, are also planning to release new music, the former says in an interview conducted at his Prague studio. Muchow also discusses his work as an in-demand film music composer and producer – and recording at the Berlin studio where David Bowie created some of his greatest work.    Tue, 22 Oct 2024 09:20:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8832373 This year the Ecstasy of St. Theresa, perhaps the best-known Czech indie band of the 1990s and 2000s, delighted fans by returning to the stage after a hiatus of almost a decade. And the group, whose core members are founder Jan P. Muchow and singer and actress Kateřina Winterová, are also planning to release new music, the former says in an interview conducted at his Prague studio. Muchow also discusses his work as an in-demand film music composer and producer – and recording at the Berlin studio where David Bowie created some of his greatest work.    00:17:02https://english.radio.cz/petr-sis-my-amadeus-poster-was-incredible-calling-card-us-8831694 The Czech-born, US-based illustrator and writer Petr Sís has just seen the publication of his latest work, a book of In Praise of Mystery by American poet laureate Ada Limon. In a project years in the making, the poem has also been etched onto a NASA spaceship bound for Jupiter’s moon Europa. In an interview from his home in New York State, Sís discussed the new book as well as his poster for the multiple Oscar-winning movie Amadeus, released four decades ago this year. He also shared some insights into his latest project, which takes inspiration from his own colourful experiences in the US around the same time. Tue, 15 Oct 2024 10:45:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8831694 The Czech-born, US-based illustrator and writer Petr Sís has just seen the publication of his latest work, a book of In Praise of Mystery by American poet laureate Ada Limon. In a project years in the making, the poem has also been etched onto a NASA spaceship bound for Jupiter’s moon Europa. In an interview from his home in New York State, Sís discussed the new book as well as his poster for the multiple Oscar-winning movie Amadeus, released four decades ago this year. He also shared some insights into his latest project, which takes inspiration from his own colourful experiences in the US around the same time. 00:21:57https://english.radio.cz/no-other-spirit-has-so-much-mystery-evan-rail-absinthes-czech-links-and-more-8830991 Evan Rail’s The Absinthe Forger is a true crime story that also explores the fascinating history of the spirit itself. Central to the new book is the absinthe produced before the “evil drink” was banned virtually everywhere in the early 20th century – only to make a comeback in the 1990s, a revival in which Czechia played a major part. Rail, a long-time resident of Prague, discussed that aspect of the story, and much more, at our studios in Vinohrady. Mon, 07 Oct 2024 13:54:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8830991 Evan Rail’s The Absinthe Forger is a true crime story that also explores the fascinating history of the spirit itself. Central to the new book is the absinthe produced before the “evil drink” was banned virtually everywhere in the early 20th century – only to make a comeback in the 1990s, a revival in which Czechia played a major part. Rail, a long-time resident of Prague, discussed that aspect of the story, and much more, at our studios in Vinohrady. 00:17:54https://english.radio.cz/moving-forward-step-step-marek-hovorka-28-years-jihlava-8830462 As director of the Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival, Marek Hovorka is one of the most important people in the field of documentaries in Czechia. The 44-year-old started the event while still at school and today it draws many thousands of film buffs to the usually sleepy Vysočina town every year. Ahead of the 28th edition of Ji.hlava I caught up with Hovorka to discuss the festival’s development, changes this year – and the outlook for the future. Wed, 02 Oct 2024 10:02:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8830462 As director of the Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival, Marek Hovorka is one of the most important people in the field of documentaries in Czechia. The 44-year-old started the event while still at school and today it draws many thousands of film buffs to the usually sleepy Vysočina town every year. Ahead of the 28th edition of Ji.hlava I caught up with Hovorka to discuss the festival’s development, changes this year – and the outlook for the future. 00:15:53https://english.radio.cz/writer-jana-prikryl-how-her-parents-escape-czechoslovakia-shaped-her-life-and-8829596 Jana Prikryl was five, and called Jana Přikrylová, when her parents fled communist Czechoslovakia in the early 1980s and built a new life in the West. She has since gone on to become a successful poet and a top editor at the highly respected New York Review of Books. But how much did initially speaking Czech shape the writer’s approach to language? I discussed that question and many more with Prikryl, who was speaking from her home in New York. Tue, 24 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8829596 Jana Prikryl was five, and called Jana Přikrylová, when her parents fled communist Czechoslovakia in the early 1980s and built a new life in the West. She has since gone on to become a successful poet and a top editor at the highly respected New York Review of Books. But how much did initially speaking Czech shape the writer’s approach to language? I discussed that question and many more with Prikryl, who was speaking from her home in New York. 00:18:14https://english.radio.cz/euan-edworthy-my-raf-father-said-dont-forget-those-brave-czech-airmen-who-fought-8828876 UK public relations man Euan Edworthy has called Prague home for the last three decades. In that time he has been involved in a number of initiatives, perhaps most notably building a monument to Czechoslovak WWII RAF aviators in the city’s Klárov district, that have earned him UK honour the MBE for services to Czech-British relations. We spoke at the offices of his company Best Communications, right in the heart of the Old Town. Mon, 16 Sep 2024 13:24:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8828876 UK public relations man Euan Edworthy has called Prague home for the last three decades. In that time he has been involved in a number of initiatives, perhaps most notably building a monument to Czechoslovak WWII RAF aviators in the city’s Klárov district, that have earned him UK honour the MBE for services to Czech-British relations. We spoke at the offices of his company Best Communications, right in the heart of the Old Town. 00:14:14https://english.radio.cz/milan-babik-heading-havel-library-after-30-years-us-8828084 When Milan Babík was appointed director of the Václav Havel Library recently his name was not familiar to many. That is in large part because he had spent the previous three decades in the United States, where he effectively emigrated as a teenager, in search of educational opportunity. When I spoke to Mr. Babík at the Library, a stone’s throw from Prague’s Národní, we discussed the institution’s mission and perceptions of Václav Havel today. But our conversation began with his own early life. Mon, 09 Sep 2024 10:48:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8828084 When Milan Babík was appointed director of the Václav Havel Library recently his name was not familiar to many. That is in large part because he had spent the previous three decades in the United States, where he effectively emigrated as a teenager, in search of educational opportunity. When I spoke to Mr. Babík at the Library, a stone’s throw from Prague’s Národní, we discussed the institution’s mission and perceptions of Václav Havel today. But our conversation began with his own early life. 00:17:01https://english.radio.cz/czech-please-you-can-eat-well-prague-major-world-cities-8824231 The anonymous writer behind the Czech Please social media accounts has been reviewing restaurants in Prague for over a decade and a half. Also going by the pen name Brewsta, Czech Please has built up a large and dedicated following as one of Czechia’s best-known English-language food bloggers. When we met at a cool Prague café, we discussed the city’s dining scene at length – but I first asked Czech Please a little about himself. Tue, 30 Jul 2024 12:15:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8824231 The anonymous writer behind the Czech Please social media accounts has been reviewing restaurants in Prague for over a decade and a half. Also going by the pen name Brewsta, Czech Please has built up a large and dedicated following as one of Czechia’s best-known English-language food bloggers. When we met at a cool Prague café, we discussed the city’s dining scene at length – but I first asked Czech Please a little about himself. 00:14:02https://english.radio.cz/veronika-tuckerova-dissidents-havel-felt-their-prison-experiences-were-scripted-8823816 Veronika Tuckerová has been teaching Czech Studies at Harvard University for the past decade. But she has also done extensive research into the Prague German-language author Franz Kafka. Indeed, the academic is currently preparing a book entitled Reading Kafka in Prague: The Reception of Franz Kafka in Czechoslovakia, which mainly looks at changing perceptions of the writer in the communist period, when his works were for the most part banned. I spoke to Veronika Tuckerová at our Prague studios. Thu, 25 Jul 2024 11:28:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8823816 Veronika Tuckerová has been teaching Czech Studies at Harvard University for the past decade. But she has also done extensive research into the Prague German-language author Franz Kafka. Indeed, the academic is currently preparing a book entitled Reading Kafka in Prague: The Reception of Franz Kafka in Czechoslovakia, which mainly looks at changing perceptions of the writer in the communist period, when his works were for the most part banned. I spoke to Veronika Tuckerová at our Prague studios. 00:15:26https://english.radio.cz/ep100-mason-parker-8815348 The new owner of the Prague Lions discusses why he feels the time is right for American football in Europe and says it could become Czechia's third favourite sport. Wed, 01 May 2024 09:38:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8815348 The new owner of the Prague Lions discusses why he feels the time is right for American football in Europe and says it could become Czechia's third favourite sport. 00:15:41https://english.radio.cz/ep99-nicholas-lowry-8814961 Art expert Nicholas Lowry has Czech heritage and lived in Prague in the early 1990s. He will soon be seen as the presenter of a documentary on classic Czech graphic design. Wed, 24 Apr 2024 09:18:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8814961 Art expert Nicholas Lowry has Czech heritage and lived in Prague in the early 1990s. He will soon be seen as the presenter of a documentary on classic Czech graphic design. 00:16:50https://english.radio.cz/ep98-rosamund-johnston-8813334 Rosamund Johnston discusses her book on Czechoslovak Radio, 1948–1969. How "communist" was the station? And what happened to staff after the Soviet invasion? Fri, 05 Apr 2024 12:36:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8813334 Rosamund Johnston discusses her book on Czechoslovak Radio, 1948–1969. How "communist" was the station? And what happened to staff after the Soviet invasion? 00:15:57https://english.radio.cz/ep97-peter-zusi-8808746 Academic Peter Zusi discusses teaching Czech literature, his new book on the Czech avant-garde and Karel Teige and his teenage rock band with a future movie star. Fri, 16 Feb 2024 13:50:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8808746 Academic Peter Zusi discusses teaching Czech literature, his new book on the Czech avant-garde and Karel Teige and his teenage rock band with a future movie star. 00:14:25https://english.radio.cz/ep96-eva-paddock-milena-grenfell-baines-8807652 Half-sisters Eva Paddock and Lady Milena Grenfell-Baines were 3 and 9 when trains organised by Nicholas Winton and others saved them from the Nazis. They share their story. Tue, 06 Feb 2024 13:27:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8807652 Half-sisters Eva Paddock and Lady Milena Grenfell-Baines were 3 and 9 when trains organised by Nicholas Winton and others saved them from the Nazis. They share their story. 00:16:19https://english.radio.cz/ep95-ed-ley-8807241 Englishman Ed Ley on his fascinating social media project recording the stories of the streets of Prague, one by one. Wed, 31 Jan 2024 14:00:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8807241 Englishman Ed Ley on his fascinating social media project recording the stories of the streets of Prague, one by one. 00:12:37https://english.radio.cz/ep94-kaveh-daneshmand-8805816 Prague-based filmmaker Kaveh Daneshmand on how his homeland Iran manages to produce great films despite severe restrictions, whether he could ever move back and much more. Tue, 16 Jan 2024 15:25:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8805816 Prague-based filmmaker Kaveh Daneshmand on how his homeland Iran manages to produce great films despite severe restrictions, whether he could ever move back and much more. 00:15:37https://english.radio.cz/ep93-jan-novak-8804052 Writer and biographer Jan Novák discusses Miloš Forman, the Mašíns, Václav Havel and Milan Kundera, as well as sharing some of his family's own eye-popping stories. Thu, 28 Dec 2023 10:22:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8804052 Writer and biographer Jan Novák discusses Miloš Forman, the Mašíns, Václav Havel and Milan Kundera, as well as sharing some of his family's own eye-popping stories. 00:32:50https://english.radio.cz/ep92-bijan-sabet-8803377 In a broad and revealing interview, US Ambassador to Czechia Bijan Sabet discusses everything from his time as an early Twitter investor to his love of photography. Tue, 19 Dec 2023 12:04:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8803377 In a broad and revealing interview, US Ambassador to Czechia Bijan Sabet discusses everything from his time as an early Twitter investor to his love of photography. 00:25:08https://english.radio.cz/ep91-tomas-dvorak-8802810 Why is the Czech economy so deep in the doldrums? And how to turn things around? Tomáš Dvořák, who has described Czechia as "the sick man of Europe", offers some insights. Wed, 13 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8802810 Why is the Czech economy so deep in the doldrums? And how to turn things around? Tomáš Dvořák, who has described Czechia as "the sick man of Europe", offers some insights. 00:15:02https://english.radio.cz/ep90-emil-viklicky-8801526 Top Czech jazz pianist and composer Emil Viklický discusses his successful career, numerous collaborations (including big jazz names, and Václav Havel) and much, much more. Wed, 29 Nov 2023 12:30:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8801526 Top Czech jazz pianist and composer Emil Viklický discusses his successful career, numerous collaborations (including big jazz names, and Václav Havel) and much, much more. 00:15:42https://english.radio.cz/ep89-roman-david-8800289 Academic Roman David has fascinating insights into how the Czech justice system, and society, dealt with the transition to democracy after the 1989 fall of communism. Thu, 16 Nov 2023 13:00:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8800289 Academic Roman David has fascinating insights into how the Czech justice system, and society, dealt with the transition to democracy after the 1989 fall of communism. 00:24:06https://english.radio.cz/ep88-simon-johnson-8799540 Englishman Simon Johnson heads the Czech branch of developers Crestyl. They are behind Prague's major Savarin Palace project, Libeň Dock and much more besides. Wed, 08 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8799540 Englishman Simon Johnson heads the Czech branch of developers Crestyl. They are behind Prague's major Savarin Palace project, Libeň Dock and much more besides. 00:15:28https://english.radio.cz/ep87-mirek-gosney-8798195 Mirek Gosney on Building Hitler's Empire, a documentary about the Nazis' massive forced labour system, under which his own great-grandfather worked in Germany during WWII. Wed, 25 Oct 2023 15:00:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8798195 Mirek Gosney on Building Hitler's Empire, a documentary about the Nazis' massive forced labour system, under which his own great-grandfather worked in Germany during WWII. 00:14:09https://english.radio.cz/ep86-petr-kratochvil-8796961 Petr Kratochvíl on a new paper he co-authored which says Russia’s war on Ukraine is novel in that it is also a fight against gender and sexual equalities, with Moscow presenting itself as a defender of traditional values against the "decadent" West. Thu, 12 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8796961 Petr Kratochvíl on a new paper he co-authored which says Russia’s war on Ukraine is novel in that it is also a fight against gender and sexual equalities, with Moscow presenting itself as a defender of traditional values against the "decadent" West. 00:15:43https://english.radio.cz/ep85-jindriska-blahova-8796296 Jindřiška Bláhová, editor of a new book looking at the history of Karlovy Vary film festival pre-1989, shares fascinating insights into the event in the Cold War era. Thu, 05 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8796296 Jindřiška Bláhová, editor of a new book looking at the history of Karlovy Vary film festival pre-1989, shares fascinating insights into the event in the Cold War era. 00:16:49https://english.radio.cz/ep84-benjamin-tallis-8795603 Foreign policy expert Benjamin Tallis on neo-idealism, and why the term applies to Jan Lipavský, and what the Ukraine crisis means for the future of the EU. Wed, 27 Sep 2023 14:00:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8795603 Foreign policy expert Benjamin Tallis on neo-idealism, and why the term applies to Jan Lipavský, and what the Ukraine crisis means for the future of the EU. 00:15:08https://english.radio.cz/ep83-jana-komankova-8794211 Veteran DJ Jana Kománková discusses her new book about the Prague alternative station Radio 1, including its pirate beginnings as Radio Stalin and anarchic early years. Wed, 13 Sep 2023 13:00:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8794211 Veteran DJ Jana Kománková discusses her new book about the Prague alternative station Radio 1, including its pirate beginnings as Radio Stalin and anarchic early years. 00:15:20https://english.radio.cz/ep82-danny-bate-8791614 UK linguist Danny Bate, who moves between Prague and Edinburgh, discusses some of the joys of life in Czechia, learning the language, "annoying" aspects of Czech and more. Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:00:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8791614 UK linguist Danny Bate, who moves between Prague and Edinburgh, discusses some of the joys of life in Czechia, learning the language, "annoying" aspects of Czech and more. 00:16:02https://english.radio.cz/ep81-arne-springorum-8791064 Arne Springorum is part of a climate crisis activist group that has been blocking the main road through Prague. He says he is willing to lose a lot for his beliefs. Thu, 10 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8791064 Arne Springorum is part of a climate crisis activist group that has been blocking the main road through Prague. He says he is willing to lose a lot for his beliefs. 00:16:04https://english.radio.cz/ep80-john-bok-8790555 Pre-1989 dissident John Bok, whose parents met in England during WWII, looks back on a fascinating life. Close at one time to Havel, he stood up to the StB more than most. Fri, 04 Aug 2023 12:14:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8790555 Pre-1989 dissident John Bok, whose parents met in England during WWII, looks back on a fascinating life. Close at one time to Havel, he stood up to the StB more than most. 00:29:20https://english.radio.cz/ep79-ethan-scheiner-8789090 California-based author Ethan Scheiner discusses his new book Freedom to Win, centred on Czechoslovakia's 1969 ice hockey wins over the USSR, and the riots that followed. Wed, 19 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8789090 California-based author Ethan Scheiner discusses his new book Freedom to Win, centred on Czechoslovakia's 1969 ice hockey wins over the USSR, and the riots that followed. 00:14:32https://english.radio.cz/ep78-yulia-oleinik-8787098 Yulia Oleinik heads UNICEF's Czech office. She discusses how well young Ukrainians, particularly small children, have been integrated – but warns about losing those gains. Wed, 28 Jun 2023 09:00:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8787098 Yulia Oleinik heads UNICEF's Czech office. She discusses how well young Ukrainians, particularly small children, have been integrated – but warns about losing those gains. 00:15:15https://english.radio.cz/ep77-bohumil-vostal-8786625 Biographer Bohumil Vostal discusses the fascinating story of Czech František Bělský, the only sculptor ever to create busts of four generations of the UK royal family. Wed, 21 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8786625 Biographer Bohumil Vostal discusses the fascinating story of Czech František Bělský, the only sculptor ever to create busts of four generations of the UK royal family. 00:15:37https://english.radio.cz/ep76-jakub-cigler-8785744 Jakub Cigler is perhaps THE architect of modern Prague. His studio is behind the redesign of Wencelsas Square and is also involved in the huge overhaul of Masaryk Station. Tue, 13 Jun 2023 07:00:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8785744 Jakub Cigler is perhaps THE architect of modern Prague. His studio is behind the redesign of Wencelsas Square and is also involved in the huge overhaul of Masaryk Station. 00:22:23https://english.radio.cz/ep75-michal-bregant-8784948 Director Michal Bregant on the creation of the National Film Archive under the Nazis, the restoration of classic Czech movies and how the NFA saved many treasures. Wed, 07 Jun 2023 07:00:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8784948 Director Michal Bregant on the creation of the National Film Archive under the Nazis, the restoration of classic Czech movies and how the NFA saved many treasures. 00:14:57https://english.radio.cz/ep74-leon-jakimic-8783072 Co-founder Leon Jakimič discusses his plans to make international lighting and glass installation producers Lasvit Czechia's first new global luxury brand – and much more. Tue, 16 May 2023 00:05:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8783072 Co-founder Leon Jakimič discusses his plans to make international lighting and glass installation producers Lasvit Czechia's first new global luxury brand – and much more. 00:15:44https://english.radio.cz/ep73-pavel-trojan-8781464 Pavel Trojan was appointed head of the Prague Spring International Music Festival last year. He Czechia's top classical event -- and his own sometimes suprising background. Thu, 27 Apr 2023 10:10:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8781464 Pavel Trojan was appointed head of the Prague Spring International Music Festival last year. He Czechia's top classical event -- and his own sometimes suprising background. 00:15:26https://english.radio.cz/ep72-matt-field-8778243 The recently installed UK ambassador to Prague, Matt Field, discusses Czech-British relations, learning Czech, his experience of life in the city so far and much more. Wed, 22 Mar 2023 11:23:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8778243 The recently installed UK ambassador to Prague, Matt Field, discusses Czech-British relations, learning Czech, his experience of life in the city so far and much more. 00:16:06https://english.radio.cz/ep71-michal-horacek-8777532 Michal Horáček, co-writer of several of Czechia's best-loved songs, shares some great stories about his family, the Velvet Revolution, his bid for president and far more. Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:00:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8777532 Michal Horáček, co-writer of several of Czechia's best-loved songs, shares some great stories about his family, the Velvet Revolution, his bid for president and far more. 00:28:06https://english.radio.cz/ep70-mark-baker-8776827 US journalist Mark Baker discusses the plans of communist Czechoslovakia's secret police to employ a honey trap operation to recruit him as a spy against his own country. Mon, 06 Mar 2023 12:06:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8776827 US journalist Mark Baker discusses the plans of communist Czechoslovakia's secret police to employ a honey trap operation to recruit him as a spy against his own country. 00:14:10https://english.radio.cz/ep69-adam-gebrian-8776210 Architecture expert Adam Gebrian on recent development projects in Prague, including the remodeling of Wenceslas Square and the major overhaul of the Masaryk Station area. Mon, 27 Feb 2023 11:48:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8776210 Architecture expert Adam Gebrian on recent development projects in Prague, including the remodeling of Wenceslas Square and the major overhaul of the Masaryk Station area. 00:23:13https://english.radio.cz/ep68-jiri-priban-8772778 Jiří Přibáň discusses the "gloves off" approach adopted by candidate Andrej Babiš ahead of round two of the presidential election and what he feels a Babiš win would mean. Sat, 21 Jan 2023 08:57:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8772778 Jiří Přibáň discusses the "gloves off" approach adopted by candidate Andrej Babiš ahead of round two of the presidential election and what he feels a Babiš win would mean. 00:15:18https://english.radio.cz/ep67-jan-lipavsky-8771946 The Czech minister of foreign affairs discusses a whole host of subjects, including Ukraine, sanctions, economic diplomacy, China, the name Czechia – and his core values. Wed, 11 Jan 2023 13:34:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8771946 The Czech minister of foreign affairs discusses a whole host of subjects, including Ukraine, sanctions, economic diplomacy, China, the name Czechia – and his core values. 00:25:51https://english.radio.cz/ep66-nick-archer-8769125 Outgoing UK ambassador to Prague Nick Archer discusses a whole range of subjects, from matters of state to the things he has most enjoyed about life in the Czech capital. Thu, 08 Dec 2022 07:45:00 +0100https://english.radio.cz/node/8769125 Outgoing UK ambassador to Prague Nick Archer discusses a whole range of subjects, from matters of state to the things he has most enjoyed about life in the Czech capital. 00:16:08https://english.radio.cz/prague-talk-ep65-ivan-chvatik-8765136 Ivan Chvatík worked closely with Jan Patočka, helping organise underground seminars for the great Czech philosopher, and since his death has done more than anybody to keep his legacy alive. Chvatík shares stories about his clandestine activities in Communist Czechoslovakia, the deaths of his parents when he seven and much more. Tue, 25 Oct 2022 09:48:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8765136 Ivan Chvatík worked closely with Jan Patočka, helping organise underground seminars for the great Czech philosopher, and since his death has done more than anybody to keep his legacy alive. Chvatík shares stories about his clandestine activities in Communist Czechoslovakia, the deaths of his parents when he seven and much more. 00:26:56https://english.radio.cz/prague-talk-ep64-jan-charvat-8763925 Some are concerned tensions in Czech society could intensify this winter. What can the government do to prevent further radicalisation? We ask extremism expert Jan Charvát. Tue, 11 Oct 2022 13:24:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8763925 Some are concerned tensions in Czech society could intensify this winter. What can the government do to prevent further radicalisation? We ask extremism expert Jan Charvát. 00:16:24https://english.radio.cz/prague-talk-ep63-mark-cornwall-8762680 Historian Mark Cornwall is an expert on Czech-German relations. He is preparing a book to be entitled Queer Bohemians and another on treason under the Habsburg Empire. Tue, 27 Sep 2022 14:50:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8762680 Historian Mark Cornwall is an expert on Czech-German relations. He is preparing a book to be entitled Queer Bohemians and another on treason under the Habsburg Empire. 00:15:29https://english.radio.cz/ep62-tomas-bojar-8761354 Documenary maker Tomáš Bojar discusses his new film Good Old Czechs, which follows the intriguing stories of brave airmen who constantly risked their lives in WWII. Tue, 13 Sep 2022 13:10:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8761354 Documenary maker Tomáš Bojar discusses his new film Good Old Czechs, which follows the intriguing stories of brave airmen who constantly risked their lives in WWII. 00:15:30https://english.radio.cz/prague-talk-ep61-helen-epstein-8759969 Helen Epstein on her father Kurt Epstein, a Jewish Czechoslovak athlete who insisted on taking part in the 1936 "Nazi Olympics" and is the subject of a new exhibition. Mon, 29 Aug 2022 13:19:00 +0200https://english.radio.cz/node/8759969 Helen Epstein on her father Kurt Epstein, a Jewish Czechoslovak athlete who insisted on taking part in the 1936 "Nazi Olympics" and is the subject of a new exhibition. 00:14:47